War Diary by Russell Bentley (“Texas”): The start of 2016

War Diary by Russell “Texas” Bentley

Russell Bentley (Texas)
Mike Kuhlenbeck

DISPATCH FROM DONETSK

Russell “Texas” Bentley is an American fighting fascism in the Donbass region of Southeast Ukraine. Since the NATO-supported coup in 2014 that swept the fascists into power, he has been serving alongside anti-fascist comrades since December of that year. From January-June 2015, he was a soldier in the Essence of Time combat unit of the Novorussian Armed Forces at the Donetsk People’s Republic airport and Spartak as a rifleman and RPG gunner. Currently he is engaging in “Information Warfare” on behalf of Donetsk. “The war in Donbass is only one Front in a global war,” Bentley has said. “Fascism has again raised its ugly head, and we are here to fight and defeat it. Truth is one of our most powerful weapons, and my job is to get the truth to the people of the Western world.” Looking at the New Year with optimism, these are his remarks from the frontlines of Donetsk, December 31, 2015:

This was the best New Year’s Eve of my life. I lived through a year I never expected to, found a new home that was everything I ever dreamed of, and made the best friends of my life. I have helped to make the world a better place, and did it on the global stage. “In my own little way,” as Maude told Harold.

The President of my new country knows my name, I’ve heard him say it, and he had nice things to say about me and my Mom. Thanks, Big Z [DPR Prime Minister Aleksandr Zakharchenko].

And there’s a man named Vladimir and a boy named Barry, and I bet if they hear the name “Texas” they know who it means.

But becoming famous is not what I came here to do. I came here to help the good people, the “dobry ludy” of Donbass. And I came here to kick some fascist ass. After one year here, and still alive, my work speaks for itself.

No brag, just fact. And thanks to everyone who has helped me.

I couldn’t have done it without you.

So, to all my friends, I say this–Courage is the key to happiness. The key. It is impossible to be happy if you are afraid. Be brave, and do the right thing. It’s not that tough, once you get used to it. It takes some practice, though, so if you’re making a New Year’s resolution, let it be that.